New Mexico’s state parks contributed $266 million to the state’s economy in 2024 while supporting more than 5,000 jobs, according to a new study released Monday by the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The economic analysis, conducted by the Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University in partnership with the State Parks Division, […]
Jobs, Workers & Economy
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy, Pueblos
New Mexico distributes $258,500 in job creation grants to 11 counties
Communities across New Mexico will receive increased funding to create jobs, support local businesses and strengthen regional economies as the state distributed $258,500 in economic development grants to projects spanning 11 counties. The funding through the Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) program targets workforce development, business retention and infrastructure improvements in both rural […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov., Jobs, Workers & Economy
Flooding forces temporary closure of Talking Talons Thrift Shop in Cedar Crest
By Connor Currier Severe flooding in Cedar Crest has forced the temporary closure of a beloved local institution, the Talking Talons Thrift Shop, located on State Highway 14. The flooding caused significant water damage to the interior of the shop, prompting staff to announce a closure of at least two weeks while repairs are underway. […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy, Pueblos
Two New Mexico projects could bring $160M in federal funding for quantum technology and water innovation
Two New Mexico-led initiatives are competing for up to $160 million in federal funding that could create thousands of high-paying jobs and position the state as a national leader in quantum technology and water innovation. The Quantum Moonshot and Energized Watershed projects were named among just 29 semifinalists nationwide in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy, Westside Albuquerque
Intel to cut more than 220 Rio Rancho Jobs
Intel Corp. has told state officials it’s laying off workers at the Rio Rancho plant. According to data from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, 227 positions will be cut by September. Federal and state laws require employers to provide 60 days’ notice in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs. Prior to the […]
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NMED fines Utility Block Co. $41K for safety lapses
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) recently cited an Albuquerque-based concrete masonry manufacturer for multiple serious workplace safety violations that exposed employees to potential injury or worse. According to state records, Utility Block Company Inc. was fined a total of $41,384 for the violations by NMED’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB). In December 2024, […]
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Tijeras company faces fines after shrapnel exposure incident
An engineering and manufacturing company based in Tijeras is facing more than $12,000 in state fines after a workplace safety inspection uncovered multiple safety violations that exposed workers to flying shrapnel and put them in danger of being caught in moving machine parts. According to records from the New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Occupational Health […]
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Cheese plant gas leak hospitalizes 14 workers
A major chemical accident at a local cheese plant that led to the hospitalization of more than a dozen workers has landed a local company in hot water with the state. Last month, the New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) cited Southwest Cheese Company for five serious violations following a […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy, Pueblos
New Mexico grocery workers win wage increases, better benefits in new contracts
Union officials announced Friday that grocery workers across New Mexico have ratified new four-year contracts with Albertsons and Smith’s Food and Drug Stores, securing wage increases and stronger benefits. The agreements, approved by members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1564, cover approximately 3,700 workers statewide — 2,500 at Smith’s stores and 1,200 at […]
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Dental office fined for vaccine refusal documentation, training lapse
A Sunland dental practice was recently penalized by the state after inspectors found that employee training on bloodborne pathogens wasn’t up-to-date, and the company failed to document that an employee had declined a vaccine. According to state records, some Sunland Dental employees failed to complete the state-required annual bloodborne pathogen training. The training is done […]